What is the rear diff ratio for a SVX?
The Subaru SVX, produced from 1991 to 1997, uses an all-wheel-drive drivetrain with a rear differential whose ratio is commonly 4.11:1. The exact figure can vary by year, market, and transmission, so it’s best to verify on your specific car. This article explains the typical value and how to confirm the precise ratio on your SVX.
Typical rear differential ratio for the SVX
The SVX’s rear axle is designed to work with Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system, and the most commonly reported rear differential ratio across many SVX models is 4.11:1. This ratio is often found on models equipped with either the 5-speed manual or the 4-speed automatic, but there can be exceptions based on year or regional specifications. To avoid guessing, you should verify the exact number on your own vehicle using one of the methods below.
How to verify the rear diff ratio on your SVX
The following methods help you confirm the exact ratio for your vehicle. Use one or more of these to be sure you have the correct figure.
- Check the tag or stamping on the rear differential housing. The code or engraving may include the gear ratio (for example, a notation like “4.11” or “4.11:1”).
- Consult the axle code in the factory service manual or the Subaru parts catalog for your model year and market; the code corresponds to a specific final-drive ratio.
- Count gear teeth if you can access the gears: divide the number of teeth on the ring gear by the number of teeth on the pinion gear to calculate the ratio.
- Ask a Subaru dealer or a qualified technician with access to your VIN, as some VIN decoding resources can reveal the axle ratio for your exact build.
Whichever method you use, recording the exact ratio is important for maintenance, part compatibility, and any upgrade considerations.
Where to find the ratio on your SVX
Locating the exact rear differential ratio is straightforward with a few checks. The most reliable options include examining the differential tag, checking the vehicle’s original build materials, or consulting official documentation tied to your VIN. If you don’t find a clear tag or label, using the gear-tooth count method or a dealership VIN lookup can provide the precise figure.
Key places to look and what to do
Look for an identifying tag on the differential cover or housing, a stamped code on the axle, or documentation in the owner’s manual or service records. If you’re unsure, present your VIN to a Subaru technician or parts specialist who can pull the exact rear axle ratio for your particular SVX.
Understanding the correct rear diff ratio helps with proper maintenance planning, ensures compatibility when sourcing parts (like gears or seals), and can influence fuel economy expectations and maintenance intervals for the all-wheel-drive system.
Summary
The SVX commonly uses a 4.11:1 rear differential ratio, though exact figures can vary by year, market, and transmission. To be certain, verify the ratio directly on the vehicle using the differential tag, axle codes in manuals, or by calculating tooth counts. Recording your exact ratio ensures accurate maintenance and parts compatibility.
